The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander William W. Brehm, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot attached to and serving with Carrier Air Group 101, while operating from the U.S.S. BOXER (CV-21). On 10 August 1951, Commander Brehm led a flight of six fighter and four attack bombers on a bridge strike near Songjin, North Korea. Under his control the accurate bombing of the entire flight quickly accomplished the destruction of the primary targets, a key highway and a railroad bridge, during which Commander Brehm registered direct one hundred pound bomb hits on each bridge. At Kilchu the flight rendered the only serviceable railroad bridge unusable and he obtained another direct one hundred pound bomb hit. Proceeding to Tanchon, he scored a direct five hundred pound bomb hit on the most vital concrete highway bridge and dropped two of the center spans while other members of the flight destroyed a railroad bridge and cut two railroad bypass bridges, making a total of eight bridges destroyed or cut by only ten aircraft. This destruction was accomplished in the face of scattered to moderate ground fire and his plane suffered minor damage. In subsequent strafing attacks a serious internal wing explosion occurred which rendered the aircraft almost unmanageable, but he was able to return to the ship and land safely. His inspiring leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander William W. Brehm, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commander, Carrier Air Group 101, while operating from the U.S.S. BOXER (CV-21). On 20 May 1951, Commander Brehm led a flight of seven fighters and seven attack bombers on a close air support mission over the front lines near Yongnae-ri, Korea. He was directed by an airborne controller to lead his attacks on two positions on a ridge and in a valley where an estimated eight hundred enemy troops were dug in and he as informed that a ground controller would pin-point his attacks on certain important locations that were only one hundred yards form friendly lines. He aggressively led his flight in a series of destructive bombing, napalm, and strafing attacks through a withering hail of intense and accurate light anti-aircraft fire. He continued to make attacks until all ordnance was expended although his aircraft was slightly damaged by the anti-aircraft fire. The controller estimated that two hundred enemy troops were killed in action in addition to the destruction of two machine gun bunkers, six trucks and an ammunition dump. When the flight returned from the area and friendly troops moved in, they discovered approximately two thousand casualties as a direct result of the devastating air attacks. His inspiring leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.